Scripture-
Matthew 15:32 – Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And I am unwilling to send them away hungry lest they faint on the way.”
Observation-
Jesus had a large crowd following him, yet he called the disciples close to teach them. Jesus has compassion for the people who have been following him and are hungry. Jesus had compassion for all people including those who were in a non-Jewish region. Jesus was not willing to send people away hungry and weak to fend for themselves. Jesus’ concern that they may not be strong enough to provision.
Application-
My heart needs to break for what breaks Jesus’ heart. In so doing, I will meet people where they are and compassionately share the love of Christ with them.
The gospel is for all people regardless of culture, economic status or location. So, I can have compassion for people who are lost and hurting in downtown Bradenton or halfway around the globe. I must meet people’s needs and love them as Jesus does. This calls for me to recognize a need get out of the stands and onto the playing field. The prophet Elijah is speaking with the widow from Zarephath in
1 Kings 17:13 when he is asking her for food as God commanded. And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said.” If God has laid something on my heart, I have to allow the Spirit to guide me in strength then to take action to go to where I am called then do the work with compassion. This is the hope that we have in the Lord for not just provision but our greatest need to be reconciled to God through the faith in Jesus.
Prayer –
Father, Break my heart for what breaks yours. Let the Spirit give me strength to have compassion to love people well to extend your glory here and amongst the nations.